Samuel p



(No Model.)

s. F. ESTBLL.

' TOY. v

Patented Oct. 25, 1892.

' mitted-thatis, the construction and adapta- UNITED STATES PATENT QFFICE.

SAMUEL F. ESTELL, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

TOY.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 48 4,850, dated October 25, 1892.

Application filed December 21. 1891. Serial No. 415,770. (No model.)

T0 at whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, SAMUEL F. EsTELL, of Chicago, county of Cook, and State of Illinois, have invented new and useful Improvements in Toys, of which the following is a full and complete description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 represents the toy in elevation. Fig. 2 is an enlarged transverse section through line 2 2, Fig. 1. Fig. 3 shows details.

The purpose of my invention is the production of a spinning-top and mechanism for giv- 1ng it rotary movement, which are so adapted to each other that a freedom of movement in manipulation not heretofore attained is pertion, as hereinafter specified, admits of discharging and throwing the top in an upward or outward direction. This feature is very desirable in performing with tops of the aerial or flying kindt'. a, tops provided with vanes of the wind-wheel order, especially. WVith my improvement in the construction of the toy great precision in directing the top when discharged or thrown may be attained, thereby affording novel and exciting interest in the pastime.

WVith reference to the drawings, A represents the top.

B shows a frame, which serves as a basis for the actuating mechanism. Frame 13 is constructed of a single piece of wire, centrally of which rings are formed as a convenience in holding the frame in the operation of spinning the top. The extremities are bent at right angles and shaped suitably for shaft-bearings, as seen at B, Fig. 2.

D represents a shaft free to rotate in bearings B. At one extremity E it is shaped to serve as a crank. At the other extremity is attached the top-holding part F. This part in my present example is a tubular piece having notches diametrically opposite each other, from which are formed the inclines a a. The coiled actuating-spring H surrounds the central portion of shaftD, one end I; being secured to the shaft and the other end 6 is, after being looped around the stem of frame B, carried to a triggerpiece J, upon which it acts in the latters function as a'pawl. The lever action of the piece J is apparent, its inner angular end being held against the frame-stem by the action of spring extension 6. Adjacent to the inner end of piece J is provided a detent m, that is secured to shaft D,a pin inserted through forming a pawland-ratchet relation between the latter and said piece J. The shaft or spindle M of the top has provided adjacent to its pivotal point and between said point and the body of the top extensions d 01, adapted to engage with inclines ac. The location of the extensions or their equivalent for engaging the top with the actuating mechanism, which is between the body of the top and the pivotal point of its spindle, constitutes the important feature. This enables the upward or outward discharge heretofore referred to without such discharge or movement retarding, appreciably, the rotation of the top.

In adroitly spinning the top the rings of the frame are grasped by the fingers of the left hand. The crank E is then turned in the direction indicated by the arrow, thereby winding up spring H any desirable number of turns, where it is secured by detent m and trigger J. Then it is ready for the application of the top by inserting the pivotal end of shaft M in the part F, with the extension (Z and d resting in the forks, as seen in Fig.

1. The outer curved end of trigger J affords a convenient means of tripping the latter to release the detent m and permit the rotation of shaft D. The action of the sudden rotary impulse given to the latter shaft, as evident, imparts rotary movement to the top, and when movement of shaft D ceases causes the extensions d and d to ride outward on the inclines a a, thus producing the desired separation and subsequent rotation. The frame may then be drawn from its position, allowing the top to descend directly.

While I have given a somewhat-minute description of the mechanism and operation of my invention, it is because I believe the construction I have shown is the best and most simple.

There may be modifications or even radical difference in construction. I do not therefore design to limit myself in this particular.

Having thus fully described my said invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In a mechanism for spinning tops, a

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frame composed of a single pieee'of wire, the sa|ne,'a frame 13, erank-shaftD, spring H, and to central portion whereof is formed in loops,it's part F, in combination With top A, the latter ends bent and terminating in rings adapted being provided with extensions d d between for shaft-bearings, in combination with an its body and the pivotal point of its spindle,

5 actuating-spring H and a crank-shaft having substantially as set forth.

on one extremity suitable provision foren- SAMUEL F. ESTELL. gaging and discharging the top, substantially Witnesses: as specified. E. F. WALLACE,

2. In a top and spinning mechanism for H. G. TEMPLETON. 

